Reform Act books York date
Superbly handled by Pat Smullen, riding right at the top of his game, the daughter of Lemon Drop Kid, surged into the lead with just under two furlongs to go.
Sina Cova was soon in hot pursuit, but hard as Johnny Murtagh tried could never get in a real blow and was a length adrift at the line.
Smullen was well pleased with the display of his charge. “We have always thought a lot of her, she has just taken time to come to hand,” he said. “We felt her capable of stepping up in class, she quickened and battled great.”
Dermot Weld, speaking at Naas, indicated that the Galtres Stakes (York) would be the logical next target for Reform Act.
The other Listed event, the Platinum Stakes, was won in good style by John Oxx’s Danak, unbeaten in his two previous races.
Michael Kinane soon had the son of Pivotal in front and, though strongly pressed all the way up the straight by Arabian Prince, was too strong for his rival.
Jimmy O’Neill, representing Oxx, said: “We didn’t want to make the running and were hoping to get a lead. He will go for something similar, or maybe step up to Group Three. Michael felt he might just like a drop of rain, he’s now had three quick races on firm ground.”
Oxx went to Naas and confirmed that a break may be on the cards for his colt, although he could be supplemented for the Desmond Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday week. The Ruby Stakes at Tralee is the alternative.
Oxx completed a double when the enigmatic Karawana was the subject of a masterful drive by Kinane in the Irish Stallion Farms’ EBF Fillies Handicap.
He brought her with a sweeping late challenge to mug Jalmira and Go For Glamour on the line, the verdict a head and a neck.
“I don’t know what to say,” said O’Neill. “She has run two disastrous races this season, for no reason. Today was her last chance, but she will get another go now.”
Kieren Fallon made no secret of the regard he has for Aidan O’Brien’s newcomer, Trinity College, after the son of the “iron horse”, Giant’s Causeway, made a winning debut in the Irish Stallion Farms' EBF Maiden.
“He’s good, he could be as good as his father,” remarked Fallon.
Trinity College, on the pace from the start, was pushed ahead by Fallon early in the straight and only asked for the minimum in the closing stages to beat Sweet Peak a length.
Moscow Mo Chuisle was produced with excellent timing by Andrew McNamara to grab the Cork Handicap Hurdle in the dying strides from Talkingtonbates.
Babyshan looked the likely winner for much of the straight, but ran right across the final flight and could not recover on the flat.
“That’s great, this is a new owner to the game, American Thomas Noland, who now lives near me,” reported trainer, Michael Hourigan. “She will win again, I think.”
Shane Broderick, disabled after a fall at Fairyhouse and whose greatest day in racing came when partnering
Dorans Pride to victory in the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in ’95, had his first winner as a trainer when All Noble galloped moderate rivals silly to easily win the Bumper. Broderick is currently holidaying in the Isle Of Man.
He was running for the first time for Broderick and for owner-rider, Barry Connell. Explained Connell: “Three weeks ago Shane said he'd like to train a horse for me. Paul Cashman said he had this fellow for sale, so I bought him and sent him to Shane.”
The Killetra Maiden Hurdle was a very poor contest, but it gave Peter McCreery a change of luck when Ri Na Mumhan did the business.
Barry Cash had him in front two out, he was none too good here, but soon forged on to beat The Dasher.
The best of Ri Na Mumhan won’t be seen until he goes chasing, according to McCreery.
